UT football notes: Ash is No. 1 QB in first open spring practice

AUSTIN – Texas held the first of two open spring practices at Royal-Memorial Stadium on Friday. Some observations from the press box:

As promised by coach Mack Brown, David Ash is now the clear-cut No. 1 quarterback. His arm strength continues to improve and he looks as confident as ever. Case McCoy worked as the second-stringer, but freshmen Connor Brewer, Jalen Overstreet and Tyrone Swoopes received plenty of repetitions as well.

New play-caller Major Applewhite’s emphasis on getting the ball in the hands of his speediest playmakers showed itself right away. Several times in the first scrimmage period, the Longhorns ran a jet sweep out of the wild formation, with Johnathan Gray handing the ball to Daje Johnson.

Wide receiver Mike Davis did not attend the workout due to what the school called family reasons. He was replaced on the first team by Cayleb Jones, who impressed with several nice running catches.

Linebacker Jordan Hicks sat out with a hamstring issue. UT said trainers were being cautious with the senior linebacker, and that he could have played Friday if there was a game.

With offensive linemen Josh Cochran and Trey Hopkins both out for the spring with broken legs, Kennedy Estelle started opposite Donald Hawkins at tackle and Sedrick Flowers started opposite Mason Walters at guard.

Defensive end Jackson Jeffcoat is recovering from a torn pectoral muscle and will not take part in contact drills. But he is suited up and is doing conditioning work.

Dalton Santos, a backup as a freshman last year, is making a run at Steve Edmond’s starting linebacker job.